Chris Coons:DE-Sen: Fighting the politics of discrimination

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by Chris Coons
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/9/22/904301/-DE-Sen:-Fighting-the-politics-of-discrimination

One of the solemn honors Delaware holds is being home to Dover Air Force Base. Over the years too many of our brave soldiers have been flown into Dover after dying in the noble service of our country. When they arrive, each one of them is treated with the dignity and honor befitting their heroism and service to our great nation.

As the service members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment fulfill their own mission – the dignified return to American soil of the remains of the fallen inside flag-draped caskets – their focus is squarely on honoring the sacrifice of the soldier before them.

No one asks if that soldier was a man or a woman. No one asks if they were gay or straight. They know one thing – this solider died in service to their fellow Americans.

Any American prepared to die for his or her country deserves our respect and admiration. Their sexual orientation should have no bearing.

That is why I object so strongly to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the abhorrent views of my Tea Party opponent, Christine O’Donnell.

It is offensive that men and women ready to defend our country are being told by conservative politicians like O’Donnell that their sexual orientation makes them unfit to serve. Unfit to die for their country.

It’s a repulsive thought. I won’t stand for that kind of discrimination and I don’t think Delawareans will either.

My opponent, Christine O’Donnell, doesn’t just want to keep gays and lesbians out of the military (she thinks homosexuality is an "identity disorder")... O’Donnell has said that having women in the military "cripples the readiness of our defense."

I certainly don’t believe that my sister-in-law, a lieutenant colonel serving now honorably and admirably in the U.S. Army, cripples the readiness of our defense.

Voters looking for a contrast between Christine O'Donnell and myself would be hard-pressed to find a more striking difference than on a day like yesterday.

As Delaware’s Senator, I would not tolerate discrimination of any kind and would proudly stand up for ALL the brave men and women ready to serve our nation.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is discrimination, plain and simple.

Yesterday’s Senate vote was a setback, but not a defeat. I’m not ready to give up this fight and pledge to be a reliable vote for equality if elected.

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1. Well Said Mr. Coons

That man just earned himself a campaign donation from me.